Shannon Singleton, known for her human-centric approach to housing and homeless services, was officially inducted today as the Commissioner for District 2 of Multnomah County. Singleton, who landed the victory in the November 5 election, wasted no time stepping into her new role following the election results' certification yesterday, taking over from Interim Commissioner Jesse Beason, according to Multnomah County News. Beason had occupied the position since November 2023, after Susheela Jayapal vacated the seat to pursue a congressional run.
Marked by a celebration in the Boardroom, Singleton, immediately before her first official briefing, expressed heartfelt astonishment over her journey to political office, a path originating from her formative years in Philly. "Growing up around Philly, I never thought this would happen," Singleton recalled, as reported by Multnomah County News. Her work has spanned the breadth of the housing crisis' frontline—a conversion of direct service experience into actionable policy that was seen during her tenure as Governor Kate Brown's housing policy advisor, a role she took up in 2019.
Jenny Madkour, the County Attorney, presided over the oath of office, which facilitated Singleton's immediate immersion into responsibilities, involving a briefing on rapid rehousing—a subject she's intricately familiar with. Acknowledging the swirl of adversity that girdled her professional life, from the pandemic to national upheaval, Singleton added, "We worked through the pandemic, through the wildfires, through Donald Trump and mourning George Floyd, trying to find reason in this world," as noted by Multnomah County News. Her insights and experiences have now transcended into legislative power poised to provoke change from within her home turf of Portland and beyond.
Singleton carved her niche in the community well before her commissioner appointment. Her resume reads like an ode to public service—from aiding domestic violence survivors to assisting the homeless transition to stable living situations. The genesis of her impact began at the former Salvation Army SAFES shelter and crescendoed with her leadership at JOIN, a nonprofit that spun success stories from destitution to domicile. "Shannon is a powerhouse," community member Perlia Bell stated, a sentiment that reflects Singleton's imprint on the fabric of Portland's societal challenges, as per Multnomah County News.
The newly appointed commissioner praised her collaboration with four talented women: Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Commissioners Sharon Meieran, Julia Brim-Edwards, and Lori Stegmann. Her term, marking a new chapter for District 2, will extend until December 31, 2025.
